1. Approach.

This analysis examines “Blueprint for Change”, President elect Obama’s Plan for America. In particular, this is an examination of proposed “Green” jobs initiative. The goal is to identify academic majors and job types likely to be in high demand if, and to the extent, that the blueprint is executed.

2. Context.

‘Blueprint for Change” calls for a manufacturing sector investment and creation of five million new jobs. One investment would be made through “a Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) working with manufacturers across the country to improve efficiency, implement new technology, and strengthen company growth.” In another effort, the administration would “invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial scale renewable energy, invest in low emissions coal plants, and begin transition to a new digital electricity grid. A principal focus of this fund will be devoted to ensuring that technologies that are developed in the U.S. are rapidly commercialized in the U.S. and deployed around the globe.” The blueprint also calls for the creation of an energy-focused youth jobs program to invest in disconnected and disadvantaged youth and seeks to double federal funding for basic research over 10 years.

Department of Energy

Mission: Advance the national, economic, and energy security of the U.S.

• Weatherize One Million Homes Annually: Obama and Biden will make a national commitment to weatherize at least one million low-income homes each year for the next decade, which can reduce energy usage across the economy and help moderate energy prices for all.

• Prioritize the Construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline: As president, Obama will work with the Canadian government, state of Alaska, oil and gas producers, and other stakeholders to facilitate construction of the pipeline. Not only is this pipeline critical to our energy security, it will create thousands of new jobs.